Little need to describe the rapture of the lovers when the wonderful news had been told. Hand in hand they sat, discussing the golden future before them, for had not Rupert Morrice avowed his intention of making amends?
And then, half an hour later, for even in moments of stress, this capable man of business was ever punctual to the minute, Morrice unlatched the garden gate of the tiny cottage and found Richard waiting for him at the door.
Silently the two men clasped hands. It was the elder who spoke first. “So Rosabelle has induced you to forgive me? She was ever a peacemaker.”
There was perfect sincerity in the young man’s tone when he answered. “The past is buried, sir, absolutely and irrevocably, so far as I am concerned. My only regret is that my innocence should have to be established at such a terrible cost to yourself.”
The financier waved his hand with one of his old imperious gestures. “No more on that subject, Dick. Thank God, her passing out of my life will not make the difference to me that yours did.”
Richard was deeply touched. By those few words he knew how deeply his benefactor had suffered from the severance of their old affectionate relations.
Morrice took the young man by the arm and led him into the little parlour where Rosabelle, flushed with her new-found happiness, stood awaiting them. He took a hand of each and joined them together.
“That is the dearest wish of your hearts, is it not?” he said, a kindly smile lighting up the drawn face. “Well, God bless you both, and give you all the happiness you deserve. Sweet little Rosabelle has always been as dear to me as if she had been my own child. You, Richard, will resume your place in my house as an adopted son. But I would wish you to defer your return for a week or two till all this painful business is over. When you come back, we will draw a close curtain shutting out that hateful past. I shall live for the future, for you and Rosabelle—for your children.”
A few months later Richard Croxton was married to his loving and faithful Rosabelle, and rewarded with a partnership in the famous firm.